Explore Nagano !

Nagano is a beautiful region known for its mountains, hot springs, and rich history. It’s a great place to enjoy nature, relax in an onsen, and explore traditional Japanese culture—all year round.

Explore Nagano

Traditional Japanese temple with wooden architecture, surrounded by trees and landscaped greenery, with visitors entering the entrance.

Nagano is a scenic region in central Japan, known for its mountains, onsen (hot springs), and seasonal beauty. It offers the perfect mix of nature, culture, and outdoor adventure.

Bronze statues of samurai warriors in front of a Japanese shrine, with banners and green trees in the background.

Nagano has a rich history shaped by ancient temples, samurai culture, and its role as a spiritual center. It’s home to Zenkoji Temple, one of Japan’s oldest and most visited temples.

Cityscape with a mix of modern buildings and traditional pagoda-style structures, set against mountains in the background.
A red and beige train traveling on a track through lush green forest alongside a winding river in a mountainous landscape.

From the lively streets of Nagano City to the alpine charm of Matsumoto and the ski resorts of Hakuba, the region is full of unique towns worth exploring.

Nagano is easily accessible by shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo in just 1.5 hours. Local trains and buses connect major cities, hot spring towns, and tourist spots throughout the region.

Things to do in Nagano

Two people in winter gear snowboarding on a snowy slope, with snow-covered trees and a blue sky in the background.

From thrilling snowmobile rides and guided hunting tours to scenic hiking and mountain climbing, Nagano offers outdoor excitement in every season. Whether you're skiing down powdery slopes in winter or exploring lush trails in summer, adventure is always in season.

Japanese macaques, also known as snow monkeys, soaking in hot springs in a snowy landscape with rocks and snow-covered mountains in the background.
Traditional Japanese wooden building surrounded by blooming cherry blossom trees with pink and white flowers.

From the alpine beauty of Kamikochi Valley to the vast trails of Joshinetsu Kogen, Nagano is perfect for nature lovers. Visit the Snow Monkey Park to see wild macaques bathing in hot springs. Hike lush forests, relax by mountain lakes, or explore snowy winter paths.Every season offers a new adventure in Nagano’s stunning parks.

Nagano is rich in history, featuring samurai-era castles, traditional post towns, and preserved merchant streets. These sites offer a glimpse into Japan’s cultural and architectural heritage. Walking through them, visitors can experience the timeless charm of Edo-period Japan firsthand.

Indoor Japanese-style hot spring bath (onsen) with water-filled wooden soaking tub, wood-paneled walls, and a small bowl on the floor.

Relax in some of Japan’s most beloved onsen towns like Yudanaka, Shibu Onsen, and Nozawa. These natural hot springs offer healing waters and a timeless, peaceful atmosphere. Enjoy traditional ryokan stays and soak in the serene surroundings for a truly rejuvenating experience.

Traditional Japanese temple with wooden stairs, lanterns, and landscaped greenery.

Nagano is home to spiritual landmarks such as Zenkoji Temple and Togakushi Shrine. These sacred places are not only beautiful but deeply rooted in Japan’s religious and cultural traditions. They offer visitors a chance to connect with Japan’s rich spiritual heritage in a serene setting.

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Recommended Trips

Looking for ideas on where to go? Here are some hand-picked trips to help you experience the best of Nagano and beyond.

Whether you're interested in nature, history, or food, these suggested routes are perfect for day trips or weekend getaways.

Each trip is designed to highlight unique sights, local culture, and hidden gems you won't want to miss.

From snow monkeys and scenic onsen towns to ancient temples and mountain trails, there's something here for every kind of traveler.

Contact Us

Planning a trip to the Nagano area? Feel free to reach out anytime—I’m happy to help!

Whether you need ideas, local tips, or just have questions, I’m glad to offer advice free of charge.

You can contact me for:

  • 🌄 Trip recommendations

  • 📍 Questions about locations

  • 🚉 Transportation advice

  • 🍜 Local food suggestions

  • 💡 Travel tips and useful points

  • 🗺️ Interesting local info

Don’t hesitate to get in touch—I’ll do my best to help make your visit to Nagano unforgettable!

Enjoy your trip in Nagano 😊
Feel the beauty, taste the flavors, and discover the stories hidden in every corner.

About me

I’m a foreigner living in the beautiful Nagano region. Every year, millions of tourists come to Japan—but most visit only the usual, popular spots. Through this website, my goal is to share the hidden gems of Nagano: the quiet towns, scenic trails, and cultural treasures that often go unnoticed. I hope to help more people discover the charm and depth of this special place I now call home.

A man stands on a tree stump in the water at a lake, with trees and mountains in the background under cloudy skies.